By Mia Ines

The Windsor Lancers cross-country team is ready to get back into competition for the 2021 season.
 
This year the blue and gold have a good handful of returning veterans that will add experience to this year's roster and look to showcase some promising performances heading into their first competition this weekend at Western.  
 
"Everyone is very excited and we are looking forward to the first race of the season," said assistant coach Anna Patterson. "We feel confident in our abilities to perform very well. Athletes have established several goals to focus on during the race and have a clear understanding of what they need to do in order to prepare for the OUA championships in November."
 
Like all other varsity athletes, the cross country team has faced challenges over the pandemic with the uncertainty that athletes would even be able to have a season this year. "We had regular zoom calls and goal setting sessions. Athletes set up some games nights and other fun activities." Patterson discussed that they worked towards keeping athletes fit and healthy and in a position to ramp up training once given the green light. 
 
Lancer fans have a lot to be optimistic for with the first race of the season and with the potential of the new runners eager to get back on the start line. 
 
"We have been blessed with a few exceptional recruits and strong transfers this season. 
On the women's side fifth year Sydney Pattison, who came to us from Laurier, is in a great position to medal at the OUA Championships. Rookie Samara Quanz is a very strong athlete and should also score very high at the championships. Both will help tremendously with the team score," Coach Patterson continued.
 
"On the men's side fifth year veteran Josh Zillies, along with transfer Cameron Cira, bring  leadership and experience to the team. We had several strong second years that will fill the gap along with new recruits Ronan Radovich and Andrew Taylor." 
 
The Lancers are heading into the season with goals of qualifying both the men and women's teams to the U SPORTS Championships.

Windsor will be opening their season in London this Saturday, September 25th. The women will race at 10:00 am, followed by the men at 10:50am. Stay tuned to goLancers.ca for results and more information on the 2021-22 cross country season.